Ohio voters approve 46 - 42 percent of the job Gov. Ted Strickland is doing, according to a
Quinnipiac University poll released today, down from 57 - 29 percent in a May 6 survey. This is
Gov. Strickland's lowest approval rating since a 45 - 12 score, with 43 percent undecided,
February 1, 2007, one month after he took office.

Voters give Gov. Strickland two big thumbs down, disapproving 53 - 33 percent of the
way he is handling the economy and disapproving 53 - 32 percent of the way he is handling the
state budget. Voters also feel 40 - 34 percent that Gov. Strickland has not kept his campaign
promises, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University survey finds. These are
Strickland's lowest scores on these three measures.

U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, a possible Republican challenger in the 2010 Governor's race, has
caught up with the struggling Strickland, with 40 percent to the Governor's 41 percent, compared
to a 48 - 36 percent Strickland lead May 6. Another challenger, former Congressman John
Kasich, trails Strickland 43 - 38 percent, compared to 51 - 32 percent May 6.

"The lousy economy and its impact on any politician's ability to deliver the goods have
taken their toll on governors throughout the nation and now Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland is feeling
the heat," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
"In addition, the squabbling over the state budget has taken its toll on Strickland's image, and that
of the Legislature as well.

"Strickland's extremely sharp drop-off in so short a time reflects growing public frustration.
Voters don't see the economy improving and have decided that after almost three years in office
they should start holding Ted Strickland at least partially responsible," Brown added. "The
question now is whether this is the start of a larger move or just a temporary reaction.

"Is Strickland on the ropes or will he bounce back?"

Independent voters, often the key to victory in Ohio elections, disapprove 45 - 42 percent
of Strickland's overall job performance and giving him a 57 - 30 percent thumbs down for his
handling of the economy.

Ohio voters disapprove 49 - 31 percent of the job the State Legislature is doing,

The good news for the Governor is that voters support 65 - 31 percent his proposal to place
video slot machines at racetracks around the state. But voters say 84 - 13 percent that they should
decide the issue in a referendum, rather than leaving the decision to the State Legislature.

From June 26 - July 1, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,259 Ohio voters, with a margin of
error of +/- 2.8 percentage points.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public
opinion surveys in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio and the
nation as a public service and for research.
For more data and RSS feed - http://www.quinnipiac.edu/polling.xml, or call (203) 582-5201.

1. (If registered Republican) As you may know there will be an election for
governor in Ohio in 2010. Thinking about the Republican primary for governor, if
the 2010 Republican primary for governor were being held today and the
candidates were John Kasich, Mike DeWine and Kevin Coughlin for whom would you
vote?

TREND: (If registered Republican) As you may know there will be an election for
governor in Ohio in 2010. Thinking about the Republican primary for governor, if
the 2010 Republican primary for governor were being held today and the
candidates were John Kasich, Mike DeWine and Kevin Coughlin, for whom would you
vote? (*Someone Else & Wouldn't Vote volunteered options not in option list)

32. Do you think same-sex couples should be allowed legally to marry, should be
allowed legally to form civil unions but not marry, or should not be allowed to
obtain legal recognition of their relationships?

TREND: Do you think same-sex couples should be allowed legally to marry, should
be allowed legally to form civil unions, but not marry, or should not be allowed
to obtain legal recognition of their relationships?

35. In your opinion, what causes someone to be gay or lesbian - do you believe
that people are born gay or lesbian, or that people become gay or lesbian
because of the way they are brought up, or is it just the way that some people
choose to live?

39. Supporters say it is important to ban discrimination against gays and
lesbians just as the law bans such discrimination based on race, gender,
national origin and religion. Do you agree or disagree?

TREND: In general, do you support or oppose legalized casino gambling in Ohio?

Jul 3 Aug 14
2009 2008
Support 60 61
Oppose 36 34
DK/NA 4 4

42. Voters may be asked to approve a plan that would allow gambling casinos to
be built in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo. Do you support or oppose
allowing casinos to be built in those four cities?

44. As part of an effort to reduce the budget deficit, Governor Strickland has
proposed installing video slot machines at Ohio's seven horserace tracks. Do you
support or oppose putting video slot machines at horserace tracks in Ohio as a
way to help reduce the budget deficit?